GREENVILLE, S.C. – Pediatric patients at
Children’s Hospital of Greenville Health System and their families will
soon have an interactive, child-friendly space in which to regroup and
relax thanks to a $300,000 pledge from Carolinas Credit Union
Foundation.

Officials from the Foundation, which represents 169 credit unions in
North and South Carolina, and GHS Children’s Hospital revealed plans for
the space today during a ground breaking ceremony.

“Giving back is a core value of credit unions and aligns with our
collective philosophy of people helping people,” said Carolinas Credit
Union Foundation President and CEO John McGrail. “I am proud of the
credit unions in North and South Carolina for coming together to
transform this space into something warm and inviting for patients and
families to enjoy during their hospital stay.”

The 1,900-square-foot lobby will be transformed into an underwater
adventure and feature 200 brightly painted metal fish hung from the
ceiling. An interactive submarine wall will feature interactive games
like Bubble Pop, Music Notes, Dress Up and Painting, as well as three
mirror windows that allow children to see their reflection while playing
games. For example, when playing Dress Up, children can digitally dress
themselves in the mirror with underwater-themed elements.

The new space will also include an existing salt water fish tank, child-
and adult-sized furniture, and charging stations for electronic
devices.

“We are grateful for partners like the Carolinas Credit Union
Foundation, who give generously so that we can better serve our
patients,” said Dr. Bill Schmidt, medical director of GHS Children’s
Hospital. “This space will give our patients and families a place to
rest between treatments. And best of all, it will provide a space for
kids to do what they do best – have fun.”

Have fun is what eleven-year-old cystic fibrosis patient Hazel Hill wants to do all the time, even when she’s in the hospital.

“When I come to the hospital, I’m here for two or three weeks. I miss
being at home and playing with my friends. I like this space because it
means I have to place to go to play games and have fun with my family
and other kids who are staying at the hospital.”

Construction of the new lobby is expected to be completed by October.

About Children’s Hospital of Greenville Health System
Children’s Hospital of Greenville Health System serves as the region’s
source for pediatric care. The hospital treats more than 180,000
infants, children and adolescents each year from South Carolina, Western
North Carolina, Northern Georgia and beyond.

About Carolinas Credit Union Foundation
The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation represents the cooperative efforts
of credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina in working
together today to make for a better tomorrow by helping people help
themselves. For more information, visit carolinasfoundation.org or
contact John McGrail at (704) 305-7587 or john@carolinasfoundation.org.

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